toms hardware tests a bunch of cpu coolers, fails 45%

[t0m]

wow i was surprised by this. its only part one, with a total of 80+ units to be tested throughout the series. in this round 45% failed due to inadequate cooling, bad build quality and crazy noise levels...i was hoping to see the legendary TRUE in there, but i suppose that will be in a later test.

[3.0charlie]

I read it this week - I don't understand the rating that they gave to the IFX-14 (which I have): a 2 for installation? It's a known fact that its a huge cooler, that the board has to be removed from the case for installation, blah blah blah... but come on. A 2?

Anyway. I'm still surprised by some of the numbers.... can't wait to see the next batch.

edit: forgot to add that they don't state how many remounts they did, nor the thermal paste they used.

[Vinnie]

Reviews are great to read, it actually let us know what to buy and what not to buy.
And, if your like me, you only want the best for your computer ( I think that's why my computer loves me). However....some reviews don't make any sence....you read it from one webside you get good results, and from another bad results.

Sometimes I scratch my head, and say, what is going on here.
I wonder, is someone playing favoritism............................

[3.0charlie]

I've been reading their forums's discussion based on that "review". Very interesting reading...

[MpG]

That review seriously fails on multiple counts.

I think I might have said some flattering things about THG in the recent past. For this, I sincerely apologize and cringe in shame.

[t0m]

lol yeah i have had an on and off relationship with that site since the late 90's it used to be that you could go there to read about any new hardware and be 'up to date' on whats going on, but lately they have been slacking hard, and occasionally they seem to put out an article that is 'questionable'....

i like the fact that they added a 'fail' option to the grading system, but it looks like they had far too high expectations in terms of noise and installation. if im putting a huge ing fan in my system, im not going to cry when it turns out to be loud. and installing after market hsf has never really been a quick job in my experience (with every one i have done requiring the mobo/tray to be removed). im not sure what these guys are judging against in terms of failing products, but it must have great temps, a <5 min install (tool-less) and be silent to make these 'fail' by comparison

i cant wait for the next installments...i want to see what they make of some of the more popular models out there.

[t0m]

well part 2 came up today...its not as bitter as part one, and somewhat boring

still waiting for the blockbuster results. i think they are saving the really good coolers for the end. interesting to note is the IFX-14, which is pretty close to the temps achieved by the prefab water cooling setups. the thing is so big it looks like it could rip a mobo in two though

[Mr. Cipher]

Oh no! I have to take my MoBo out to prevent my computer from getting a safe 70% OC! 30 minutes of my life are gone... *cries*

Please note the sarcasm.

I think I would be worried if a CPU HP unit took <5min to install. I remember when I first got my TRUx120, it took me nearly 2 hours to screw it in the first time. I would still give it a 7-8 for installation. That article is really odd.

This was my favourite post from their comment board... " Anyone noticed the THG Award badges on the CNPS8700's box? It is funny AND ironic! " That was one of those that failed their test as well.

[b1lk1]

I do not like how they are mounting the fan on the top of the heatsink blowing down towards the bottom of the motherboard. That is not how you would mount it in a case and since heat rises it could be effecting the results. Another vain attempt at credibility if you ask me. Most websites have rated the IF-14 poorly too. Gotta love it.....

[t0m]

Originally Posted by Mr. Cipher

Oh no! I have to take my MoBo out to prevent my computer from getting a safe 70% OC! 30 minutes of my life are gone... *cries*

Please note the sarcasm.

This was my favourite post from their comment board... " Anyone noticed the THG Award badges on the CNPS8700's box? It is funny AND ironic! " That was one of those that failed their test as well.

sarcasm noted. i feel the same. a 5 min install would be nice. and it would be great for rookies...but average joe isnt overclocking and requiring a new cooler, so new coolers shouldnt have to be made for avg-j to be able to install them easily imo.

and yeah thats cool, tasty irony there for sure..mmm

Originally Posted by b1lk1

I do not like how they are mounting the fan on the top of the heatsink blowing down towards the bottom of the motherboard. That is not how you would mount it in a case and since heat rises it could be effecting the results. Another vain attempt at credibility if you ask me. Most websites have rated the IF-14 poorly too. Gotta love it.....

yup. its a very 'flimsy' testing methodology they are using, with a lot of subjective, non-scientific data being taken too far into account. i still think they are going to pull out a blockbuster at the end and turn it into an advertisement/review for that thing...advereviewing...its like edutainment, but sucks to the power of 10 times worse.